After the arrival of the RWD and a significant price reduction, the Tesla Model Y is now actually a bargain.
After price reduction, is Model Y the best choice?
After the introduction of the base model and a significant price reduction, the Tesla Model Y is now actually a bargain. That seems crazy for a car that still costs about half a ton, but that is really the case compared to the competition. Does that make the Tesla a better choice than a Volkswagen ID.5?
Is this the least expensive Tesla Model Y you can buy?
The Tesla Model Y in question today is the rear-wheel drive entry-level model. It does not formally have a separate design name, but the Americans also use ‘RWD’ (Rear Wheel Drive) to distinguish it. The introduction in August 2022 meant that the starting price of the Model Y in the Netherlands fell by €16,000 in one fell swoop. In January, another few thousand were deducted from the price, so that the simplest Model Y costs €47,993 at the time of writing including delivery.
How far will the Model Y RWD go?
For that you get a spacious electric crossover with plenty of interior space, great performance, 455 kilometers of WLTP range and seamless cooperation with Tesla’s still unbeatable Supercharger network. That makes it especially useful for long journeys. Moreover, the Model Y is very complete as standard. An extensive audio system, electrically adjustable, heated seats, keyless entry via smartphone, all multimedia functions and Autopilot are ‘just’ standard.
When I do a license plate check on your test car, I see that the Model Y costs more than €50,000, what about that?
The tested Model Y has the ‘color’ Solid Black and a towbar and therefore costs €50,543. At those prices, the competition has to scratch its head. The Volkswagen ID 5, which is comparable in shape and size, is available from €52,990, but then you get 174 hp, with which you absolutely cannot keep up with the Tesla. Thanks to a larger battery, the Volkswagen does go a bit further, but when it comes to fast charging it loses again.
What’s on the least expensive Volkswagen ID 5?
At Volkswagen you get much less stuff for your money than at Tesla. A bare ID 5 has ‘only’ fabric upholstery, no heated seats, no ‘Keyless Access’, no electric tailgate, no navigation and a fairly simple climate control. If you want more, the price difference quickly increases. The test car is a sober Pro Business of €55,960 and the equipment does not match the Tesla even with separate options. And an ID 4 then, the little brother? Even that slightly less smooth, cheaper variant with the large battery is considerably more expensive than the Tesla.
You can see how this comparison will turn out in the video. Prefer to read? Then download the PDF, you will immediately have all the numbers and scores!
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl